Event Details

ROLL OF THUNDER, HEAR MY CRY (Mildred D. Taylor)

We can’t wait to bring this book to life! We'll explore the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and feel of this wonderful story through prop-based discussion and creative activities, including drama, art, writing, history, geography, science, and more! (A fast, fun way to see just what we do is to watch our 3-minute video.) When children learn with their senses, their enthusiasm and curiosity increase, and teachable moments abound.

From the publisher: With the land to hold them together, nothing can tear the Logans apart. Why is the land so important to Cassies family? It takes the events of one turbulent year -- the year of the night riders and the burnings, the year a white girl humiliates Cassie in public simply because she is black -- to show Cassie that having a place of their own is the Logan familys lifeblood. It is the land that gives the Logans their courage and pride, for no matter how others may degrade them, the Logans possess something no one can take away.

Winner of the 1977 Newbery Award, an ALA Notable Book, a New York Times Book Review Best of Childrens Books 1970-1980, and a National Book Award Nominee

"Taylor writes... not with rancor or bitterness of indignities, but with pride, strength, and respect for humanity." ~ The New York Times Book Review

Workshop Details

How it works: Each four-hour LitWits workshop focuses on a single work of literature that the children have read before they arrive. Heavily abridged and audio versions are perfectly acceptable! Though we encourage completion of the book before the workshop, it’s not necessary in order to enjoy our creative, immersive activities.

Ages: We don’t have age restrictions – as a parent, you know best what your child is ready for, interested in, and capable of. Having said that, we find that ages 9-12 are almost always "ready to LitWit"!

Time and Place: Workshops are held Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the campus of Vintage Faith Church at 350 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, upstairs in the Children & Youth Building. The Abbey coffeehouse is right next door, if you’d like to jumpstart your four hours of free time!

Cost for each 4-hour workshop: The cost of each workshop includes all supplies and snacks; children bring their own lunch. If you are registering one child, each workshop is $65. If you are registering siblings for the same workshop, each workshop is $60/child. LitWits Workshops is an approved vendor for Ocean Grove Charter School. If one of your referred friends attends a future session, we’ll send you a gift certificate for a free workshop!

Cancellation policy: We purchase materials several days in advance of each workshop, so please let us know as soon as possible if your child won’t be able to attend. We appreciate your consideration!